Frequent cannabis users wake up with their “stress hormone” already elevated
Frequent cannabis users may wake up with unusually high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, suggesting their daily stress rhythms could be disrupted. Researchers say the finding raises questions about whether using cannabis for stress relief might, over time, interfere with the very system that helps the body handle stress.
A recent study from Oregon State University reveals that frequent cannabis users may begin their day with elevated levels of cortisol, a hormone often referred to as the "stress hormone." Researchers led by Anita Cservenka found that individuals who regularly consume cannabis already have higher cortisol levels when they wake up compared to non-users.
This finding suggests that regular cannabis use might disrupt the body's natural stress rhythm and could potentially contribute to a cycle where stress regulation issues further encourage cannabis use. While the study does not definitively prove a causal link between frequent cannabis use and higher cortisol levels, it does point to cortisol levels upon waking as a potential neurobiological marker for problematic cannabis use.
The researchers caution that more long-term studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between cannabis use and cortisol regulation.
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